Review: Secrets by Ruskin Bond.

Book: Secrets

Author: Ruskin Bond

Pages: 150

How Long It Took Me To Read: 2 hours

Read on: Paperback.

Plot Summary: This brilliant new collection of stories by one of India’s best-loved storytellers richly evokes Dehradun of the 1940s; with its quaint cinema halls and crumbling villas; its modest chaat-shops and ubiquitous tongas. But; as young Ruskin—the narrator in these interconnected tales—soon discovers; not all is as it seems in this sleepy town. Behind the tranquil facade; Dehra is home to a cast of colourful characters: from plucky old women to possible murderers.

‘The Canal’ is a joyful tribute to adolescent mischief and adult resolve; in which a group of roguish boys must face the consequences of antagonizing the much-feared Miss Gamla. ‘Over the Wall’ celebrates the resilience and hard-won dignity of a man ravaged by leprosy as he struggles to come to terms with his malady. The dashing young army captain in ‘At Green’s Hotel’ might be the perfect gentleman—or a murderer. And in ‘The Skeleton in the Cupboard’; an old scandal is revived following a chance discovery; leading to wholly unexpected results.

By turns charming and poignant; witty and exhilarating; Secrets is vintage Bond.

General Thoughts: I haven't read a Bond book that didn't warm the cockles of my heart. I just adore his writing, his story-telling and the old-world charm that exudes from his books.

Review: This book was just lovely, I just fell in love with these little stories set in the 1930s and 40s. This is good-old vintage Bond- memorable characters, excitement, war-time stories and a hint of mystery and intrigue. Basically...all good things. I loved each and every story in this book...it was 150 pages of joy. I especially loved all The Green's Hotel stories, Ruskin Bond's mother worked in a derelict hotel and several of the stories in this book are based in this hotel. I loved the eccentric characters and their unique stories. I also just loved reading about the author's life and his friends.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

Also, how adorable is this cover???

Rating: 5/5

Comments

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